Theatre Collingwood parts ways with artistic director

COLLINGWOOD – Theatre Collingwood has changed the face of the organization.

The local theatre company has announced it will be parting ways with artistic director Steven Thomas, effective January 31.

Thomas has been with the company for more than 15 years, producing 66 plays as well as a host of educational programs.

"After an intensive review of the results of our 2012 season, including theatre patron surveys, and the challenges facing the entire theatre industry across the country, the Board of Directors will be undertaking a complete review of its operations, as a first step in determining our future direction and finalizing the program for the 2013 season," said Harold Bickerstaff, chair of Theatre Collingwood's board of directors.

Bickerstaff said they came to "an amicable parting of the ways," with Thomas," but said it was felt a change was needed.

"Most artistic directors are involved with a particular company for five or six years," he said. "We've been looking to see where we can go in the future. Sometimes (you) make a total change at the top to breathe new life into the company."

Bickerstaff said it wasn't an easy decision.

"I've been involved with Theatre Collingwood with 14 of those 15 years so it was not an easy decision as chairman of the board to present this to Steven," he said. "It's a tough decision but sometimes you have to do that. I liken it to a hockey team - we all might love the Maple Leafs but sometimes you have to change the captain or the general manager."

Bickerstaff said part of this new direction is not producing as many productions.

"Other theatres have had some success with bringing in productions, which cost us a lot less money. And in these economic times, we're looking at the bottom line," he said.

Bickerstaff said financially, the company is the best position they've ever been in.

He said the 2012 summer season, was good.

"We had a good year, not a fantastic year," he said. "We came in at what we thought we were going to."

The current adult and teen drama training programs which have been operating at the Production Centre will continue as planned to their completion.

The Theatre Administration office will be open with reduced hours until the announcement of the 2013